Name: Glazed Buttermilk Beignets Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast; ¾ cup warm water; ¼ cup sugar; ½ cup buttermilk; 1 egg; 3½ cups flour; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2-3 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla; Oil for frying

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve never bitten into a warm, pillowy Glazed Buttermilk Beignets, you’re in for a treat that’s both delightful and utterly irresistible. These classic French-inspired doughnuts are beautifully fluffy on the inside, with a sweet vanilla glaze that drapes every bite in silky sweetness. Whether you’re looking to brighten a cozy weekend morning or impress your brunch crew, Glazed Buttermilk Beignets bring café magic right to your own kitchen, making every gathering feel a bit more special and a lot more delicious.

Glazed Buttermilk Beignets Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating that signature beignet texture and flavor. While the list is refreshingly simple, the way these elements blend together is pure culinary magic.

Active Dry Yeast: Gives the beignets their signature fluffy lift and irresistible lightness.
Warm Water: Wakes up the yeast to get the dough rising just right.
Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps activate the yeast.
Buttermilk: Lends richness and a subtle tang for that perfect tender crumb.
Egg: Adds moisture and helps bind the dough for easy shaping.
Flour: The backbone of your beignets, providing structure while staying light.
Melted Butter: Makes every bite decadently soft.
Oil for Frying: Achieves that beautiful golden exterior while keeping the inside airy.
Powdered Sugar: Forms the base of the classic glaze, enveloping each beignet in smooth sweetness.
Milk: Softens the glaze to the right consistency so it coats every beignet perfectly.
Vanilla: A dash gives the glaze its fragrant, unforgettable flavor.

How to Make Glazed Buttermilk Beignets

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by combining the active dry yeast, warm water, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Let it stand for about 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture is both bubbly and frothy on top. This simple step guarantees that your yeast is alive and ready to give your Glazed Buttermilk Beignets their signature rise.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

Once your yeast is activated, it’s time to mix in the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and flour. Stir everything together until a sticky dough forms. Turn it out onto a floured surface, and knead for several minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic, but still just a little sticky. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with a tea towel, and let it rise for an hour until doubled in size. This rest is crucial to develop the pillowy texture everyone loves in Glazed Buttermilk Beignets.

Step 3: Roll and Cut

Punch the dough down and gently turn it onto a lightly floured countertop. With a rolling pin, roll the dough out to about ½-inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the dough into tidy squares. This classic shape is what turns a simple fried dough into a true beignet.

Step 4: Frying Perfection

Heat your oil to 350°F in a deep pan or Dutch oven. Fry the dough squares in batches, about 1 to 2 minutes per side, until each is golden and puffed. Drain your beignets on a wire rack or paper towels to wick away any excess oil. The aroma at this stage is pure temptation!

Step 5: Glazing the Beignets

In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until you get a glossy, pourable glaze. While the beignets are still warm, dip each one into the glaze, coating completely. Let the extra drip off, then transfer them to a rack so the glaze can set into a shiny, sweet finish. This is what transforms your squares into unforgettable Glazed Buttermilk Beignets.

How to Serve Glazed Buttermilk Beignets

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra powdered sugar liberally over your Glazed Buttermilk Beignets for a classic café presentation. For a little extra flair, try a dusting of cocoa powder, finely grated citrus zest, or a tiny pinch of cinnamon right over the glaze for a pop of flavor and color.

Side Dishes

Glazed Buttermilk Beignets pair perfectly with strong coffee or café au lait, echoing their New Orleans roots. Serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad or berries for a touch of brightness that balances their indulgence. If you’re feeling bold, a dollop of tangy crème fraîche on the side is a lovely contrast to the sweet glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful spin, serve your beignets on a big platter lined with parchment paper, just like a true beignet shop. Or, set up a dipping station with caramel, chocolate sauce, or fruit compote for guests to mix and match. Mini beignets on skewers make for a whimsical brunch or dessert platter that everyone will remember!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Glazed Buttermilk Beignets left (a big if!), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll lose a bit of their signature crispness but will still be tender and delicious for breakfast the next morning.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze unglazed beignets in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and glaze just before serving for that just-made sensation every time.

Reheating

To refresh Glazed Buttermilk Beignets, pop them into a 300°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back some warmth and lightness. If already glazed, the heat will make the coating a bit melty and wonderful.

FAQs

Can I make the dough the night before?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough, cover tightly, and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature in the morning before rolling and frying your Glazed Buttermilk Beignets for extra convenience (and more sleep!).

What’s the best oil for frying beignets?

Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. This allows the flavor of your Glazed Buttermilk Beignets to shine without any unwanted taste from the oil itself.

Can I substitute plain milk for buttermilk?

While buttermilk gives that unmistakable tang and tenderness, you can make a quick substitute by mixing one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with ½ cup milk, letting it sit for a few minutes before adding to your dough.

Why did my beignets turn out dense?

If your Glazed Buttermilk Beignets didn’t puff up, it may be due to inactive yeast or oil that isn’t hot enough. Make sure the dough has risen fully, and always check your oil temperature to get that lovely airy bite.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! This recipe scales up beautifully. Just be sure to fry in batches so your oil maintains the right temperature, ensuring every beignet is perfectly golden and fluffy.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard not to fall in love with the magic of homemade Glazed Buttermilk Beignets. They’re sweet, soft, and completely shareable— not to mention profoundly satisfying to make from scratch. Give these a try, and let every bite transport you to a sunny corner café wherever you happen to be.

Glazed Buttermilk Beignets Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 24 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: Makes about 24 beignets 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Glazed Buttermilk Beignets are a delightful treat that will transport you to the streets of New Orleans with their fluffy texture and sweet glaze. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a special dessert!

Instructions

Make Dough: Activate yeast in warm water with sugar. Mix in buttermilk, egg, butter, and flour. Allow to rise for 1 hour.
Shape: Roll dough to ½-inch thickness, then cut into squares.
Fry: Heat oil to 350°F and fry beignets until golden, about 1-2 minutes per side.
Glaze: In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze. Dip warm beignets into the glaze.